Monday, September 29, 2014

Talk About Hair Care - John Masters Organics Zinc and Sage Shampoo with Conditioner

I'm always on the hunt for a good bottle of shampoo. It's almost embarrassing to talk about how many shampoos I have tried and how many have failed to meet my requirements but I have found one in the past year that I really enjoy. Before I get any further, I would like to mention that I am completely 100% open to hearing your natural shampoo recommendations so feel free to leave a comment on this post or on Facebook. Back to the topic I would like to discuss today – John Masters Organics and their Zinc and Sage Shampoo with Conditioner. I ended up ordering this particular hair cleanser after doing a little research on the World Wide Web and I sure am glad I did!



I have an incredibly sensitive and highly reactive scalp. My roots and on the normal to oily side and my ends are rather dry. All of these things combine to create one very difficult to please head of hair. It typically works like this: If I find something that soothes my scalp it makes my roots overly oily and if I find something that makes my hair look like silk it irritates my scalp until its sore and raw. Or some other combination of those things, but you get the point.

I ordered the Zinc and Sage Shampoo with Conditioner hoping it would cleanse my scalp and hair while soothing the delicate skin on my scalp. I had read mostly good things about the product so I was really excited to test it out. I opened the bottle once it arrived at my doorstep and was completely blown away by the glorious, delicious scent! Never in my life had I ever smelled such a wonderfully fragranced shampoo before, and this is coming from someone who considers "fragrance free" to be her signature scent. It smells like vanilla, butterscotch, and caramel but not in a disgusting sickly sweet kind of way. I wish I could describe just how yummy this scent is!

The scent isn't all that won me over. This shampoo is gentle but cleanses thoroughly. I wouldn't say that it's a 2 in 1 like the "+ conditioner" claim might have you believe but it does make my hair feel decently soft on its own although I almost always follow up with my favorite Desert Essence conditioner. It leaves my hair smelling great throughout the day and I have even received quite a few compliments about how great my locks smell. My scalp stays itch and flake free and my hair seems healthy, shiny, strong and vibrant. My tangles are also easy to manage when I use this shampoo!

I originally thought that this shampoo was nice but not anything super special. I was proven wrong when I stopped using it for a week and my scalp became irritated, sore, and beyond itchy. I went back to using the John Masters Organics and my scalp has gone back to normal. My only complaint is that I wish a single 8 fl ounce bottle wasn't $20. I know there are a lot of hair products that cost a lot more but it still seems a bit pricey. I'll buy another bottle as soon as I run out of this one though and that's a great indication that I really love this stuff!

Have you ever tried this particular shampoo or any other John Masters Organics products?


(FTC: I bought this shampoo with my own money. I am not being compensated for this review. All thoughts and opinions, as always, are my own and honest.)

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Fall Sample Bag GIVEAWAY - CLOSED!



The seasons are changing and I don't know what has gotten into me this year but I'm totally excited for autumn to arrive. There is something really beautiful and special about fall and I'm looking forward to layering, seeing the leaves change, comfort food, and cooler days and nights.

The first official day of fall this year is September 22, and in honor of the changing seasons I thought now was the perfect time to give you all the chance to win a sampler bag! I haven't put together one of these sampler bags in quite a while but I know how much you all love them since they always go over so well. You have all been so supportive of Beautiful Basics that I wish I could give each and every one of you a prize but alas, only one of you will be able to win this one. It's open Internationally so feel free to enter regardless of where you live!



I'm going to say that this bag has an estimated value of $40 and it has a ton of fun beauty goodies inside like a bottle of No Frizz Oil from Balanced Guru (ARV $13), a rollerball of Yogini from Harvey Prince ($21) and two masks from 7th Heaven ($2.99 each). Of course, there are some other products included. Check out the picture to see all of the samples you could win!





a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, September 5, 2014

Phenomé SOOTHING anti-redness base Review

Phenomé, a brand from the European Union comprised of natural and healthy skincare products, believes that nature, beauty, and well-being go hand and hand. If you're wondering about the name of the company it is pronounced FEH-NOM-EH. In their luxurious lineup of cruelty free and vegan products for face, body, and hands (as well as a men's line) you will find only pure, sustainable, and healthy ingredients in award winning eco-friendly packaging (it is both recycled and recyclable).

Another cool point I want to mention is that instead of using regular old water in their products they use pure plant water instead. That, to me, makes it feel so much fancier! You never have to be curious about what ingredients are in the product you're using because the company believes in total transparency. Their website and the packaging of each product features the "Phenomé Transparency Chart" which details exactly what you're using on your skin.



To start off with the obvious, Phenomé products are packaged in lovely glass containers. The SOOTHING anti-redness base comes in a 1.0 fl. oz amber colored frosted glass bottle with a metal pump. It looks so nice sitting on my vanity. It's visually pleasing and I love it!

I also happen to love the contents of the glass bottle. The packaging lists this product as a "daily miracle" and while I can't go as far as to say this lotion moves mountains I can say that it is a really special treat for my super sensitive skin. It has a lotion-like consistency but is a little richer than the average lotion. It's extremely gentle on my skin but really effective when it comes to soothing (just like the name suggests), hydrating, and reducing redness. I love it as a daily moisturizer, on its own or under makeup.

It is really easy to apply and absorbs quickly into the skin. It feels fresh and clean while still providing moisture. It seems to create a barrier that helps to protect skin from the elements. It has a very soft, matte texture once it dries. It leaves my skin looking shine free but healthy. I love the way it leaves my skin looking and how comfortable it leaves my skin feeling.

The only negative thing I have to say is that I really don't like the scent, but if you've been around Beautiful Basics for a while you know that I rarely like anything that has any scent at all. My nose is a snob. I can't help it. The scent of this product is very strong at first but it goes away quickly and doesn't bother me in the long run.



To learn more about Phenomé, their product offerings, and their ingredients you can visit their website by clicking here.


(FTC: The company provided me with the SOOTHING anti-redness base for review consideration at no charge. They also provided me with the opportunity to host a giveaway. I am not being compensated for this review. All thoughts and opinions, as always, are my own and honest.)